Cowboys on Everest

One of radio’s best characteristics is its ability to create a sense of immediacy and urgency. Sadly today that feature is too often overlooked. But that is not the case with this Peabody winner. Cowboys on Everest captures the excitement, exhilaration and frustration of an American team’s struggle to conquer Mt. Everest. Fifteen separate stories comprise this winner, some fed back to Washington via a portable satellite uplink from the base camp of the expedition and many produced under arduous conditions of high altitude and bitter cold. At the heart of the tale are the people: from the team of Wyoming climbers to the Chinese and Tibetan people of this unique region. For presenting a dramatic document of inspiring courage, a Peabody Award to NPR for Cowboys on Everest.